Volvo goes off road
November 29, 2001
The XC90, Volvo's first true off-road passenger vehicle, has deep front and rear bumpers for "vehicle compatibility" in potential collisions with lower conventional cars |
Irvine, CA - On November 29, Volvo announced its SUV, the new XC90. The vehicle will be the top of the line in its XC (Cross Country) series when it goes into production next year in Sweden.
The SUV has the design lines of Volvo's revamped styling such as the rounded hood lines and curved rear shoulders. Peter Horbury, VP and chief designer, says the XC90 looks "masculine and confident, but not macho."
With respect to new technology, the only information released so far is that the SUV will feature advances in roll-over protection and "vehicle compatibility" in collisions with lower-slung conventional autos to protect the latter's occupants.
In other areas, engine options include both 5- and 6-cylinder turbocharged engines, transversely mounted. Such an engine arrangement allows more room inside for carrying seven front-facing passengers.
The XC90 makes its debut in January at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. Volvo expects to sell about 65% of XC90 production in North America. For more information, go to: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/index.asp?par=search&pag=preview&mediaid=538&menupar=&year=0
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